Whopper of a year ends with two awards

Head of new vehicle sales Murray O'Hara, and principal dealer Mark Quirk, of Wanganui Motors, hold up the trophies they won in recognition of their dramatic sales success in 2013. Photo/Stuart Munro

Mark Quirk, Murray O'Hara and the team are motoring out of the pits, fuelled by a recent award success.

Wanganui Motors in Ridgway Street have received two nationally recognised awards from automobile manufacturer Ford, for what was an outstandingly successful sales year in 2013.

On the basis of their sales figures they were presented with the outstanding achievement in vehicle sales as well as the distinguished achievement 2013 awards.

Just five dealerships throughout the country receive such awards annually.

Mr Quirk expressed great pride over the success. He said the awards were indicative of the business' excellent performance in the three primary areas in auto retail; new vehicle sales, new parts sales and customer service.

The award comes off the back of a dramatic growth spurt for Wanganui Motors, with an almost 100 per cent increase in new vehicle sales through 2013, when they sold 91 new cars - compared with 50 in 2012. Ford's New Zealand market share has grown by 3 per cent.

He believes the rising trend reflected by this award success potentially indicates the beginning of a brighter future in motor retail, and the economy in general.

"I think this rate of growth is really unusual and indicative of a steadily growing economy. Already in Wanganui confidence is growing among small-business owners - you can feel it."

Mr Quirk indicated their biggest source of custom came from business owners, as well as the rural sector.

"We are very grateful for the support of the Wanganui people, as well as our many customers in Waverley, Marton, Taihape and Ohakune.

"In what is a very competitive national market Wanganui punches well above its weight. We are a family-owned business, established in 1963, and we love being a core part of the local economy."

Mr Quirk said two staff who recently joined the business have contributed to their continuing success.